Replace your chat icon with an animated character
Chatmello swaps the chat widget icon (or chatbot icon) in the corner of your website for a character in your brand colors. It works with the live chat or chatbot you already use and opens it when visitors click.
Why your chat tool won't let you change the icon
Most chat tools let you recolor their chat icon and move it to the other corner, and a few let you upload a still image. None of the eight below offers an animated icon or a character. Here's what each one allows, from their own documentation:
| Chat tool | Change the icon natively? | Animated | With Chatmello |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercom | Color and position, plus your own still image | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| Zendesk | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| Tidio | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| Crisp | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| HubSpot | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| Tawk.to | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| LiveChat | Color and position only | No | Animated character or your own picture |
| Freshchat | Color and position, plus your own still image | No | Animated character or your own picture |
Details and sources for each tool on its integration page. All 17 supported chat tools.
How it works
- Pick your icon: one of 50+ characters in your brand colors, or upload your own logo or mascot.
- Add one line to your site next to your chat tool's code, or install the WordPress plugin.
- Done: Chatmello finds your chat tool, hides its default icon and shows your character. Clicking it opens your chat.
Works with chatbots too
AI and rule-based chatbots such as Intercom Fin, Tidio Lyro, Zendesk bots and HubSpot chatflows open in the same chat widget as your team's live chat. Chatmello replaces that widget's icon, so the bot answers exactly as before. Chatmello isn't a chatbot itself: it's the friendlier button in front of yours.
What your new chat icon can do
- Greet visitors with your message, per page and per language, or only after they scroll
- React while they browse, and show unread replies from your team
- Open WhatsApp, email or a phone call instead, if you don't use a chat tool
- Stay still for visitors who prefer reduced motion, and work with the keyboard
Just want a still icon?
If your chat tool lets you upload a custom icon, you can use one of our characters for free: download free chat icons (PNG and SVG, no sign-up). For an icon that moves and greets visitors, use Chatmello.
Questions
How do I change the chat icon on my website?
Most chat tools only let you recolor their icon and move it left or right. To use a different icon, either upload an image where your tool allows it (Intercom on Advanced and Expert, Freshchat, Drift, Gleap), or hide the tool's button and use your own. Chatmello does the second for you: it replaces the icon with an animated character and opens your chat when visitors click it.
Can I replace a chatbot icon too?
Yes. Chatbots like Intercom Fin, Tidio Lyro and HubSpot chatflows open in the same chat widget, so Chatmello replaces that widget's icon. The bot keeps working exactly as before; only the button changes.
Can I use my own logo or mascot as the chat icon?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG in Chatmello and it becomes the chat button. An uploaded picture moves as one piece (it breathes and hops) but doesn't blink or wave like the built-in characters.
Will my chat tool still work?
Yes. Your inbox, bots, routing and the chat window stay the same. If your chat tool ever fails to load, Chatmello steps aside and your original chat icon comes back.
Does an animated chat icon slow down my site?
Chatmello's script is about 12 KB, loads after your page and only downloads the character you use. It sets no cookies.
Is it free?
Yes. The free plan covers one website with every character and every chat tool, with no time limit.
Give your chat icon a face
Free for one website. Pick a character, choose your colors, paste one line of code.
Create your pet free